Thinking of picking up a controller - which one?

[CurseTheSky]

I recently bought Darksiders in the THQ sale, and so far I like it. It's definitely designed for consoles, but a fun change of pace from the FPS's I've been playing.

With that said, the weird keyboard / mouse key combinations aren't cutting it for me, and I'm considering picking up a controller. What controller would be best? I've seen a lot of people recommend using Xbox 360 controllers; are there different versions for PC and for Xbox 360? For example, I see this one listed as "for Windows", and this one (cheaper) listed just for Xbox.

Recommendations?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

They're both the same. If you plan on playing games that are best done on the d-pad, I'd advise avoiding the 360 controller. Otherwise, it works pretty well.

 

[zerocool84]

You can use the regular wireless 360 controller but you'll need the Wireless Gaming Receiver as you cannot connect it to the PC any other way. The one that says for Windows includes the Wireless Gaming Receiver with it so it can be played. Me personally I just bought a wired 360 controller when it was on sale so I didn't have to get any of that. Most new cross-platform games have 360 controller support built in so you don't have to change the controls at all.

Wireless Gaming Receiver

 

[CurseTheSky]

Thanks for the info guys.

I actually prefer the design of the PS2 / PS3-like controllers (Logitech has one, IIRC), but most cross-platform games seem to have Xbox 360 controller support, like zerocool said. Other controllers MAY work, but I'd rather not gamble for ~$60. I hate controllers anyway (hence why I play PC), but if it makes my gaming experience a bit better for a handful of games, it'll be worth it.

 

[simonizor]

I recently purchased a third party PS3 controller called "Power A", and it has pretty much the same layout as a 360 controller. It was $30. It feels very solid and the buttons are very responsive. You can find the controller here. It says $50 on their site, but you can get it at WalMart for $40 (must have either been on sale when I got it or it was just cheaper in store).

You can use it with windows with the MotionJoy drivers. They are pretty simple to install. All you should have to do is install the drivers, plug your controller in, and then sync the USB dongle and the controller together. There's an option to emulate a 360 controller, so any game that works with a 360 controller will think you have a 360 controller plugged in. Since the controller uses a USB dongle instead of being bluetooth, MotionJoy will pick it up as a wired controller which saves a lot of messing around with installing the MotionJoy bluetooth drivers and the controller.

Then all you need is a pack of rechargable AAA's and you're good to go.

On a side note, I just saw that you can now use a PS3 BD Remote through bluetooth with your PC and it'll act just like a media center remote. That's pretty cool.

Thanks for the info guys.

I actually prefer the design of the PS2 / PS3-like controllers (Logitech has one, IIRC), but most cross-platform games seem to have Xbox 360 controller support, like zerocool said. Other controllers MAY work, but I'd rather not gamble for ~$60. I hate controllers anyway (hence why I play PC), but if it makes my gaming experience a bit better for a handful of games, it'll be worth it.

Well, if that's the case, you could get a PS3 controller, a usb bluetooth dongle, and use MotionJoy with the PS3 controller. It can be kind of a pain to get working if you don't follow the steps exactly (the main problem that I had was forgetting to turn the controller off before plugging it in to charge it; makes re-syncing very difficult), but when you chose the 360 emulation mode, your PC will think it's a 360 controller and everything will work, including vibration.

If that sounds too complicated, you could get a different off brand one (like what I suggested above) that's shaped more like a PS3 controller. Something like this should work and it's only $30. It should work just like I described above with the Power A controller.

Or, if you wanted something that's closer to the SNES layout (well, I guess it looks more like a Wii classic controller), Nyko makes this wireless controller for the PS3 that'll work in the same way.

And remember, for games that don't support controller input, there's always xpadder.

 

[chronox]

I recently purchased a Logitech F510 after seeing years worth of comments that the Xbox360 d-pad was quite inaccurate (I wanted to play SFIV w/o having to shell out for a stick). After several weeks playing with it, I am very satisfied with my purchase, which was ~$30 on Amazon.

The d-pad is responsive and registers my moves accurately. I mentioned the Xbox360 pad above but must note that I never did a direct comparison and instead went by others' comments in making my decision. The other buttons are also work well.

One thing I'm still getting used to is using the two analog sticks, which have a noticeable deadzone. Sometimes I over-pull/push the stick: in Dirt 2 I can't stop crashing into walls but in Arkham Asylum, I manage fine. This may all be attributed to my limited gamepad-based gaming though, since I mainly game w/ mouse+keyboard.

All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Logitech F510. It's responsive and well-constructed. Ergonomics are good for the most part with the exception of the grips, which might be too small if you have larger hands like I do. There's also a switch on the underside that lets you switch between XInput (PC recognizes as Xbox360 pad) and DirectInput (for older games). Finally, it has the PS2/3 layout that you prefer.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I'd like to try one of the new 360 controllers with a popup dpad

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/new-xbox-360-controller-with-improved-d-pad-confirmed-by-major-n/

 

[Robert Munch]

I'd like to try one of the new 360 controllers with a popup dpad

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/new-xbox-360-controller-with-improved-d-pad-confirmed-by-major-n/

dang.. where do you get that? I can't find it on the egg.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Thanks for the info guys.

I actually prefer the design of the PS2 / PS3-like controllers (Logitech has one, IIRC), but most cross-platform games seem to have Xbox 360 controller support, like zerocool said. Other controllers MAY work, but I'd rather not gamble for ~$60. I hate controllers anyway (hence why I play PC), but if it makes my gaming experience a bit better for a handful of games, it'll be worth it.

There are drivers for the actual PS3 controller to be used on PC.

I play Dead Space and FIFA10 using it.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2115866&highlight=

 

[Barfo]

I've used a PS2 controller + USB adapter for several years, though I recently got an XBOX360 pad for console ports. Still use the PS2 pad for emulators and some old games as I like the dpad better than the xbox's.

 

[Schfifty Five]

dang.. where do you get that? I can't find it on the egg.

and you didn't bother checking amazon or anything?

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Silve...6945944&sr=8-3

 

[heat901]

http://www.buy.com/prod/logitech-f71...217623368.html

Got that for around $45... I think its a pretty nice controller.

 

[HeXen]

many newer games work out of box with wireless 360. i used to use others but some games wouldnt work at all properly with them. i guess the xinput in directx thing.
but never an issue with the 360, never had to map it either.

 

[Soundmanred]

I stick with the wireless 360 controller these days.
I used to use the PS3 controller with Motionjoy, but when I had issues getting anything else to connect with Bluetooth and some other things, I found out Motionjoy was the culprit. It takes over and can't be fully uninstalled without alot of work, sometimes not at all. Uninstalling, deleting registry keys, etc didn't work. I Googled the problem and found alot of other users having the same problems.
I ended up rolling back my PC to before it was installed and all is well.

 

[spaceman]

360 dpad is horrid for fighters

 

[Soundmanred]

360 dpad is horrid for fighters

Good thing "fighters" went out of style a while ago.
I did used to enjoy some SSFII and KI...
If I was into "fighters", I'd buy a real stick.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Ok, going to buy the wireless 360 controller that Schfifty Five linked. Horrible D-pad or not, I think it'll be good enough. I'll be rarely using it, and I want something that just works out of the box.

With that said, a few last questions:
- There's a way to recharge this thing right out of the box, right? I don't care about the play & charge kit; if the controller is dead, I just won't play. I'm hoping it charges via micro / mini-USB though. Edit: looks like the newer controller design comes with the play & charge kit whether you like it or not anyway...

- All I need is the controller and the receiver, right?

Thanks!

 

[zerocool84]

Ok, going to buy the wireless 360 controller that Schfifty Five linked. Horrible D-pad or not, I think it'll be good enough. I'll be rarely using it, and I want something that just works out of the box.

With that said, a few last questions:
- There's a way to recharge this thing right out of the box, right? I don't care about the play & charge kit; if the controller is dead, I just won't play. I'm hoping it charges via micro / mini-USB though. Edit: looks like the newer controller design comes with the play & charge kit whether you like it or not anyway...

- All I need is the controller and the receiver, right?

Thanks!

You're really going to spend ~$85 for a controller? You can only recharge an Xbox controller with the Play and Charge kit and only over regular USB. That one comes with the Kit, other's don't.

 

[Robert Munch]

and you didn't bother checking amazon or anything?

http://www.amazon.com/xbox-360-silve...6945944&sr=8-3

nope too lazy big guy thanks tho

 

[spaceman]

Good thing "fighters" went out of style a while ago.
I did used to enjoy some SSFII and KI...
If I was into "fighters", I'd buy a real stick.

out 0of style?
yeah theres only a slew of em coming out in 2011
:roll:

 

[Pia]

out 0of style?
yeah theres only a slew of em coming out in 2011
:roll:

He's right about the rest though, no point in evaluating pads from the fighter angle when you can get a good stick.

I'm personally waiting for the Razer 360 pad for use with console ports.

 

[CurseTheSky]

You're really going to spend ~$85 for a controller? You can only recharge an Xbox controller with the Play and Charge kit and only over regular USB. That one comes with the Kit, other's don't.

It's funny how it doesn't seem so expensive until you add everything to your cart...

With that said, I just ordered the Logitech F710 for ~$50 with shipping. There are a few complaints about wireless connectivity issues, but considering that I'm using both a Logitech wireless mouse (G700) and keyboard (K800) and neither have any issues, I'm not too concerned. If I don't like this one, I'll sell it and grab the 360 controller that Razer is coming out with.

Thanks guys!

 

[simonizor]

Ok, going to buy the wireless 360 controller that Schfifty Five linked. Horrible D-pad or not, I think it'll be good enough. I'll be rarely using it, and I want something that just works out of the box.

With that said, a few last questions:
- There's a way to recharge this thing right out of the box, right? I don't care about the play & charge kit; if the controller is dead, I just won't play. I'm hoping it charges via micro / mini-USB though. Edit: looks like the newer controller design comes with the play & charge kit whether you like it or not anyway...

- All I need is the controller and the receiver, right?

Thanks!

Man, spending that much money just for something that "works out of the box" is insane. The MotionJoy drivers that I liked in my post above will work for you perfectly fine with any PS3 controller third party or not. All the work that you have to do is go to the website, download the drivers, install them, and plug in the controler.

 

[HeXen]

Man, spending that much money just for something that "works out of the box" is insane. The MotionJoy drivers that I liked in my post above will work for you perfectly fine with any PS3 controller third party or not. All the work that you have to do is go to the website, download the drivers, install them, and plug in the controler.

not everyone is that poor to pay for a feature they want. i'd rather pay extra for features and conveniences i really want as apposed to envy them later or end up buying them later anyways cause the alternative is either more pain than its worth or find a great game that doesnt work with it.

i first bought the Logitech cyborg rumble before the 360 , which in many ways is a better 360 pad till i found games it wont function with and mapping anolgue never feels the same as the console version plus the analogue triggers cause many newer games are developed for xinput and 360 pad rendering most others to control like shit if it controls at all.
i couldnt get it to work worth a crap in GTA IV, even mapping didnt help, that was the last straw for me.

that shit got old, developers don't support direct input anymore. i later got the plug n play kit and never an issue. i just pick it up and play and i use it quite a bit, every game except for FPS's.
I now always try to pick hardware that has the overall best compatability..its just easier.
the 360 is a well made, rock solid controller with responsive wireless input, it just works and imo, is worth the money in the long run.

 

[simonizor]

not everyone is that poor to pay for a feature they want. i'd rather pay extra for features and conveniences i really want as apposed to envy them later or end up buying them later anyways cause the alternative is either more pain than its worth or find a great game that doesnt work with it.

i first bought the Logitech cyborg rumble before the 360 , which in many ways is a better 360 pad till i found games it wont function with and mapping anolgue never feels the same as the console version plus the analogue triggers cause many newer games are developed for xinput and 360 pad rendering most others to control like shit if it controls at all.
i couldnt get it to work worth a crap in GTA IV, even mapping didnt help, that was the last straw for me.

that shit got old, developers don't support direct input anymore. i later got the plug n play kit and never an issue. i just pick it up and play and i use it quite a bit, every game except for FPS's.
I now always try to pick hardware that has the overall best compatability..its just easier.
the 360 is a well made, rock solid controller with responsive wireless input, it just works and imo, is worth the money in the long run.

Yeah, that's cool, but nothing that you've posted pertains to anything that I've posted. The MotionJoy drivers leave nothing to be desired. They turn a PS3 controller into a fully functional 360 controller (as far as your PC is concerned), and do much more.